Everton are in desperate need of a new up-and-coming goalkeeper to make the step up to the next level.
Everton have been on fire in 2017 and one of the main reasons has been the resurgence of goalkeeper Joel Robles. The shot-stopper has been terrific, however, the Toffees still need a world-class young goalkeeper to push them to the next level of the Premier League standings.
Robles has played the last 16 games since replacing the injured Maarten Stekelenburg in mid-December. During that time he has produced seven clean sheets and conceded 16 goals.
Dutchman Stekelenburg was purchased last summer as the club’s new number one. He has played 16 games, with two clean sheets, but is now unable to break back in due to Robles’ form.
The Spaniard has been fantastic overall, but has made some critical errors in key moments. Everton have two registered first team goalkeepers, but nobody really breaking through the ranks at the club.
The team has lacked a star goalkeeper since Tim Howard left in 2016. Now is the time to spend money on a top-shelf stopper to improve for next season. Deciding against signing Joe Hart last summer was a good decision because the Toffees need a young, ruthless ‘keeper.
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Stoke City‘s Jack Butland should be the number one target and would be a valuable choice. Butland is young and English, and will soon be fighting for Hart’s England position. Leicester City‘s Kasper Schmeichel is another top choice, if the Dane doesn’t join a club in the top four.
Everton could have the most interesting summer transfer window of all the Premier League clubs this summer. Romelu Lukaku’s future is unknown after the club reportedly put a price tag of £100 million on his head.
Ross Barkley’s future, too, is in doubt. Gerard Deulofeu could potentially be heading back to Barcelona, according to reports. Plus the club’s lack of a key defender. The Toffees could always stick with Robles and Stekelenburg, and just purchase a high-quality center-back instead.
But Everton need to make a statement by bucking the trend. Taking a gamble. The club should should go for an up-and-coming star keeper that will stay for years. Everton have quality defenders in the resurging Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams, Ramiro Funes Mori and youngsters Mason Holgate and Matthew Pennington.
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There is nothing stopping the club purchasing a defender, but the bigger issue is the lack of a top quality goalkeeper. The money is there now to make such a move. Everton did well for Howard’s 10-year reign, and now is the time to bring in that young, exclusive goalie.